Offshore Wind Farm Teams Up With REDS Divers for DONG Energy Contract

An investment of £500,000 has paid off in Grimsby for diving specialist REDS, after securing a contract spanning over 15 months, covering the construction of Race Bank offshore wind farm.

They came to an agreement with developer, DONG Energy due to the team’s proximity to the port, having doubled the initial forecasted investment in the offshore support base on South Humberside Industrial Estate.

Beginning this month, REDS will provide dive support as an insurance policy to minimise downtime of the project, during the build of the 91-turbine wind farm which is to be created 17 miles off the Lincolnshire coast.

They will react to any unforeseen eventualities and provide aid when needed.

This is the first major project for REDS (Reach Engineering & Diving Services) since they began in October. It will include a team of six from around Cleethorpes and Barton.

It has been confirmed that DONG Energy were determined to use a local contractor with local content for the project, and REDS fit the specifications and are happy to provide what they are looking for.

Race Banks’ offshore wind farm has a dedicated vessel, Helen Mary. This will be installed with a dive spread and will be available for sub-sea inspection or for work when required.

Helen Mary is a high class vessel which will be working in the local area for around 18 months.

REDS contract is the latest to be awarded as construction begins on Race Bank, with the electricity export cable the first physical element to emerge from Walpole to the site.

Following this will be the first two substations with a total of 91 foundations, towers, turbines, and over 270 blades all to be added, ahead of the anticipated 2018 commissioning.

DONG Energy is committed to using local suppliers whenever possible and are pleased to be working with Reach Engineering & Diving Services whilst the Race Bank project is being carried out.

Having the dive set-up management allows the company to respond faster if the divers are required and is an important part of the safety during the construction phase of the project.